Teen's 'Life Was Taken Suddenly, and That Makes Us So Sad,' Rev. Says

With bagpipers playing "Be Not Afraid", six young men carried the coffin containing the body of a recent Cedar Grove High School graduate into St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church Friday morning.

The pallbearers were followed by the family and friends of 18-year-old Brian Topoleski, who died early Monday morning from knife wounds inflicted on him after what many have called a senseless confrontation. 

Msgr. Robert Slipe said Topoleski was at the verge of transitioning from child to man. The teen who had an interest in business planned to attend Montclair State University in the fall.

"That life was taken suddenly, and that makes us so sad. Violently, and that makes this whole thing so tragic, so senseless."

The reverend spoke directly to Topoleski's parents and siblings who sat at the front of the church.

"If only we had some way of relieving your sorrow. If only we had some way to lift this terrible burden from your heart, you know we would do it. The best we can do is be here with you."

Slipe said although it may not seem like it at the moment, "There is a hope."

In addition to consoling words for Topoleski's family, the reverend had a special message for the young men and women in suits and black dresses attending the Mass for their friend and classmate.

Slipe told them to imagine life as a delicate tea cup handed to them by a grandmother. 

"Your life is so precious and so fragile that we have to take care of it, respect it," he said.

Slipe said violence "cheats" life and to remember the power not just of violent actions, but of hostile words. 

"Sometimes words can lead to actions and actions to tragedy," he said. 

He concluded his eulogy by saying Topoleski's life is no longer fragile, but secure in "eternal life."

A vigil in memory of Brian Topoleski is planned for Saturday, at 7:15 p.m., at the Cedar Grove High School football field.